A former factory in Dundee city centre will be turned into a mental health support hub.
Dundee City Council has given permission for the largely empty Locarno Works near Dudhope roundabout to be re-developed into offices for charity Wellbeing Works.
The local charity, which has offices in Panmure Street, offers arts and crafts, music sessions, work training, cooking skills and other activities aimed at building the confidence of people with mental health issues.
It is expected the new premises will be ready some time this year, allowing them to expand their activities.
Wellbeing Works chief executive Wendy Callander said: “The offices would be purpose-built and we are all excited about the plans.
“Getting the planning permission was means we’ve got over one big hurdle, but now quite a significant transformation of the building needs to take place.
“The building is structurally sound but it’s basically an old warehouse.
“We are looking to build a kitchen, a creative space, offices and meeting rooms.
“We’re also hoping to be able to extend our opening hours.
“Currently we work nine to five, Monday to Friday, because the building we’re in limits us.
“I’m hoping this new building can really become a community hub that can be opened up in the evenings and weekends.
“We’ve been on the look-out for new premises for the past three years so I’m quietly optimistic we can open some time this year.”
City architects Andrew Black Design lodged the application on behalf of Broughty Ferry firm Torridon Developments, who are in charge of the building and will rent it out to Wellbeing Works.
Hans Grabowski, associate at Andrew Black Design, said: “We still need to get a building warrant so I’d estimate it will take about four months before it can be open.
“The area was originally zoned for industrial use but local planning policy has recently changed.
“There wasn’t much demand for industrial use, which is why many buildings in the area are neglected.
“Now that the council have changed their policy it’s hopefully going to become easier for other users to establish themselves there, and hopefully we’ll see an improvement in the area.”
